Page 40 of You Saw the Best In Me

Karrie, it’s time to end this. I’ve played your game for years, following you, and you run away. Cat and mouse is over.

I will always find you, and we are meant to be together.

Nothing is going to stop me from having you by my side.

I know you’ve been fucking the guy in the truck, but that’s okay, baby. I forgive you.

You have seven days to quit this game and come home with me.

If you don’t, I’m coming to get you, and you won’t be able to resist me.

The guy in your bed better not get in my way, or I’ll have no choice.

See you soon, Karrie. I love you.

Xoxo -A

I drop the letter on the floor, my hands shaking from the vile words printed on the paper.

I turn my attention back to Karina, remembering that she’s terrified of this guy and his threats should be taken seriously.

“Can I get you anything? Have you eaten today?” I look into her eyes, but they’re hollow.

The usual hazel specs that glimmer in the light aren’t there; they’ve been replaced with sadness and exhaustion.

Jesus fucking Christ.

This is worse than I thought.

Karina is sitting on the floor in the kitchen, and I get down beside her.

“Are you okay?” I ask, which is probably a stupid question.

Her face has makeup stains running down her cheeks, and she can barely hold back the tears.

“I can never get away. No matter where I go,” she cries, and I pull her close to me.

“You aren’t going anywhere. I won’t let you run away to somewhere I can’t protect you,” I whisper, holding her on the floor while she falls apart.

We stay down here for a while, and I let her cry on my shoulder until the tears stop falling.

“Maverick, what are you still doing here? I thought you wanted nothing to do with me,” she says quietly, all the fight and sparks seemingly disappeared from her body.

“I’m not going anywhere, Karina. I’m sorry for everything. I got scared of what was happening between us and took the easy way out. If you let me, I’ll be right by your side,” I tell her, wrapping my arms around her tightly.

“I don’t need to be saved,” she tries to say, but I cut her off.

“I’m not here to save you. I’m here to fight with you, for you, and everything in between,” I stand up, offering her my hand.

She looks at me, unsure if she can trust me, and I will wait as long as it takes.

I feel her soft hand grasp mine, and I pull her off the floor. I hold her close, letting her head rest on my chest.

“Let’s order something to eat and go to my place. Bring that bottle of tequila. I think you’re going to want it,” I say, and she lets go of our embrace.

“You don’t have to do this, Maverick. You don’t want me. I’m fucking broken,” she tries to walk away, and I grab her arm, bringing her back to face me.

I wipe the tears off her cheeks and rest my hands on her shoulders.